There are basically two methods employed for particulate removal within
air-purifying elements used in respirators. The first is electrostatic. In
this particulate removal mechanism, the particle carries an electronic
charge while the fibers of the air-purifying element have been enhanced to
carry the opposite electrical charge, thereby making the particle be
attracted to the fiber; the fiber captures the particle and does not allow
it to enter the breathing zone of the user. The second method is
mechanical. The particle is physically stopped and held by the fiber of
air-purifying element and captured so the particle does not enter the
breathing zone of the respirator user.